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free trade
noun
: trade based on the unrestricted international exchange of goods with tariffs used only as a source of revenue
Examples of free trade in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Airbus and Boeing for decades have sparred over government policies that offer any hint of an advantage for one side or the other, even as the two dominant planemakers espouse the benefits of free trade.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 4 June 2024
Former President Trump, who has railed against migrants and free trade, once threatened to slap tariffs on Mexican imports if the country didn’t move forcefully to halt U.S.-bound migrants, sending shock waves through the Mexican economy.
—Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024
Western governments that have long pushed developing countries to embrace free trade are now enacting policies to boost their own EV production.
—Sam Metz, Fortune, 15 May 2024
The two countries signed an agreement on a strategic partnership in 2016 and a free trade agreement last year.
—Justin Spike, The Christian Science Monitor, 14 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for free trade
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'free trade.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1766, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near free trade
Cite this Entry
“Free trade.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/free%20trade. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
free trade
noun
: trade between nations without restrictions (as high taxes on imports)
More from Merriam-Webster on free trade
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for free trade
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about free trade
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